Liposome-peptide conjugate and method of using same to induce production of anti-HIV antibodies

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method of inducing the production of anti-HIV antibodies. The method comprises administering at least one liposome-peptide conjugate, wherein the peptide comprises a membrane proximal external region (MPER) epitope.

This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT/US2006/013684, filed Apr. 12, 2006, which claims priority from U.S. Prov. Appln. No. 60/670,243, filed Apr. 12, 2005, U.S. Prov. Appln. No. 60/675,091, filed Apr. 27, 2005, U.S. Prov. Appln. No. 60/697,997, filed Jul. 12, 2005, and U.S. Prov. Appln. No. 60/757,478, filed Jan. 10, 2006, the entire contents of which applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and, in particular, to a method of inducing neutralizing antibodies to HIV and to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such a method.

BACKGROUND

The first antibodies that are made in acute HIV-1 infection are against the CD4 binding site (Moore et al, J. Virol. 68(8) 5142 (1994)), the CCR5 co-receptor binding site (Choe et al, Cell 1 14(2):161-170 (2003)), and the V3 loop (Moore et al, J. Acquir. Immun. Def. Syn. 7(4):332 (1994)). However, these antibodies do not control HIV-1 and are easily escaped (Burton et al, Nature Immun. 5:233-236 (2004), Wei et al, Nature 422(6929):307-312 (2003)). Neutralizing antibodies against autologous virus develop fifty to sixty days after infection, but antibodies capable of neutralizing heterologous HIV-1 strains do not arise until after the first year of infection (Richman et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100(7):4144-4149 (2003), Wei et al, Nature 422(6929):307-312 (2003)).

The four epitopes on HIV-1 envelope to which rare broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies bind are the CD4 binding site (CD4BS) (mab (monoclonal antibody) IgG1b12) (Zwick et al, J. Viral. 77(10):5863-5876 (2003)), the membrane proximal external region (MPER) epitopes defined by human mabs 2F5 and 4E10 (Armbruster et al, J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 54:915-920 (2004), Stiegler and Katinger, J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 51:757-759 (2003), Zwick et al, Journal of Virology 79:1252-1261 (2005), Purtscher et al, AIDS 10:587 (1996)) (FIG. 1), and the mannan glycan epitope defined by human mab 2G12 (Scanlan et al, Adv. Exper. Med. Biol. 535:205-218 (2003)). These four rare human mabs are all unusual: two are IgG3 (2F5 and 4E10), one has a unique Ig dimer structure (2G12), one has a very hydrophobic CDR3 (2F5) (Ofek et al, J. Virol. 198:10724 (2004)), and, in all four, the CDR3 is unusually long (Burton et al, Nature Immunol. 5(3):233-236 (2004), Kunert et al, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 20(7):755-762 (2004), Zwick et al, J. Virol. 78(6):3155-3161 (2004), Cardoso et al, Immunity 22:163-172 (2005)). Of these, 2F5- and 4E10-like human mabs are quite rare. Acute HIV-1 patients do not make antibodies against the MPER or 2G12 epitopes (Robinson, unpublished (2005), Shaw, unpublished (2005), MPER can be defined as amino acids 652 to 683 of HIV envelope (Cardoso et al, Immunity 22:163-173 (2005) (e.g., QQEKNEQELLELDKWASLWNWFDITNWLWYIK) SEQ ID NO:1). CD4 binding site (BS) antibodies are commonly made early in HIV-1 infection, but these antibodies generally do not have the broad spectrum of neutralization shown by mab IgG1b12 (Burton et al, Nat. Immunol. 5(3):233-236 (2004)).

A number of epitopes of the HIV-1 envelope have been shown to cross-react with host tissues (Pinto et al, AIDS Res. Hum. Retrov. 10:823-828 (1994), Douvas et al, AIDS Res. Hum. Retrov. 10:253-262 (1994), Douvas et al, AIDS Res. Hum. Retrov. 12:1509-1517 (1996)), and autoimmune patients have been shown to make antibodies that cross-react with HIV proteins (Pinto et al, AIDS Res. Hum. Retrov. 10:823-828 (1994), Douvas et al, AIDS Res. Hum. Retrov. 10:253-262 (1994), Douvas et al, AIDS Res. Hum. Retrov. 12:1509-1517 (1996), Barthel et al, Semin. Arthr. Rheum. 23:1-7 (1993)). Similarly, induction of immune responses to self-epitopes has been suggested to be a cause of the autoimmune abnormalities and T cell depletion in AIDS (Douvas et al, AIDS Res. Hum. Retrov. 12:1509-1517 (1996), Ziegler et al, Clin. Immunol. Immunopath. 41:305-313 (1986)).

High affinity peptide ligands for the 2F5 mab have been made that induce high levels of antibody against the peptide but do not broadly neutralize HIV-1 primary isolates (McGaughey et al, Biochemistry 42(11):3214-3223 (2003), Zhang et al, J. Virol. 78(15):8342-8348 (2004), rev. in Zwick et al, J. Virol. 79:1252-1261 (2005)). These results have been interpreted to mean that the peptide ligands for 2F5 are not in the appropriate conformation for induction of anti-MPER antibodies (Burton et al, Nature Immunology 5(3):233-236 (2004), Zwick et al, J. Virol. 79:1252-1261 (2005)). A series of highly constrained HIV-1 Env immunogens have been made with the IgGlbl2, 2G12, 2F5 and 4E10 epitopes stably expressed, and it has been demonstrated that these immunogens do not induce broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies in guinea pigs or rabbits, and, specifically, do not make neutralizing antibodies to the MPER epitopes (Liao et al, J. Virol. 78(10):5270-5278 (2004); Haynes, unpublished (2005)). These results have raised the question as to whether broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies to HIV-1 envelope are not made in normal animals and humans because they cannot be made.

Because long, hydrophobic CDR3 regions are typical of natural polyreactive autoantibodies (Meffre et al, J. Clin. Invest. 108:879-886 (2001), Ramsland et al, Exp. Clin. Immun. 18:176-198 (2001)), and HIV-1-infected patient B lymphocytes are polyclonally driven to make cardiolipin antibodies (Weiss et al, Clin. Immunol. Immunopathol. 77:69-74 (1995), Grunewald et al, Clin. Exp. Immunol. 15:464-71 (1999)), studies were undertaken to assay these and other anti-HIV-1 mabs for cardiolipin and other autoantigen reactivities. The present invention results, at least in part, from the realization that two broadly reactive HIV-1 envelope gp 41 human mabs, 2F5 and 4E10, are polyspecific autoantibodies reactive with cardiolipin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to human HIV. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of inducing neutralizing antibodies to HIV and to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such a method. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides immunogens that present MPER epitopes in their native membrane bound environment, and immunization methods using such immunogens that break tolerance.

Objects and advantages of the present invention will be clear from the description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (2F5, 4E10) bind to epitopes that lie proximal to the host membrane. Both 2F5 (SEQ ID NO:12) and 4E1 (SEQ ID NO:21) mAbs are IgG3, have long CDR3s, and bind to epitopes that lie within HIV-1 gp41 (aa 660-683) membrane proximal external region (MPER).

FIGS. 2A-2D. Reactivity of 2F5, 4E10, IgG1b12 Mabs with human Hep-2 epithelial cells. FIG. 2A shows Mab 2F5 reacting with Hep-2 cells in a diffuse cytoplasmic and nuclear pattern, FIG. 2B shows Mab 4E10 reacting with HEp-2 cells in a pattern similar to 2F5. FIG. 2C shows Mab IgG1b12 reacting with Hep-2 cells in a diffuse cytoplasmic pattern, with nucleoli reactive in the nucleus. FIG. 2C insert shows higher magnification of cells showing the nucleolar reactivity of IgG1b12 (arrows). FIG. 2D shows negative reactivity of Mab 1.9F on Hep-2 cells. Antibody amounts per slide assayed in FIGS. 2A-2D were 3.75 μg per slide of Mab. Mab 2F5 was positive on HEp-2 cells at 0.125 μg per slide (5 μg/ml). Mab 4E10 was positive on HEp-2 at 0.125 μg per slide (5 μg/ml), and IgG1b12 was positive at 1.25 μg per slide (50 μg/ml). All FIGS. X200.; FIG. 2C insert X400. Images shown are from an experiment representative of three performed.

FIGS. 3A-3D. Assay of Mabs 2F5 and 4E10 against lipids and specificity of binding. FIG. 3A shows ELISA reactivity of MAbs 4E10 (solid bars) and 2F5 (open bars) to cardiolipin (CL), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phophatidylethanolamine (PE), and sphingomyelin (SM). Whereas both 4E10 and 2F5 reacted with cardiolipin, only 4E10 reacted with the other lipids tested. Reactivity of control human anti-CCR5 binding site MAb 1.7b was negative (data not shown). Reactivity of MAbs against empty coated plate was similarly negative (not shown). To show specificity of binding of MAb 2F5 to cardiolipin, 150-300 μg/ml of 2F5 and 1000 μg/ml of anti-2F5 idiotype murine MAb 3H6, which blocks the neutralization of HIV-1 by MAb 2F5 (Kunert et al, AIDS 16:667 (2002)), were used. The 2F5 anti-idiotype significantly blocked the binding of MAb 2F5 to cardiolipin by a mean of 70% in 3 separate experiments (p<0.03) (FIG. 3B). In a separate ELISA, MAb 2F5 bound to cardiolipin in half-maximal (EC50) response of 660 nM (not shown). FIG. 3C shows the dose response curve of 4E10 MAb binding to cardiolipin. The half-maximal (EC50) response of 4E10 binding (80 nM) was calculated from a four parametric, sigmoidal curve fitting analysis. Binding data was acquired from an ELISA of 4E10 MAb binding (0.5nM-1000 nM) to cardiolipin coated on ELISA plate (1.35 μg/well). FIG. 3D shows soluble HIV-1 Env gp140 oligomers (CON-S) expressing the 4E10 epitope inhibits binding of 4E10 MAb to cardiolipin. The IC50 of inhibition of 4E10 binding to cardiolipin was calculated to be 145 nM. The inhibition assay was carried out by using varying concentrations of gp140 (19.25-1230 nM) mixed with 10 μg/ml of 4E10 MAb, which were then added to wells containing 1.35 μg of cardiolipin. MAb 3H6 (1 mg/ml) (but not control MAb) also blocked the binding of MAb 2F5 to SSA/Ro, centromere B, and histones (not shown). All data in FIGS. 3A-3D are representative of at least two experiments performed.

FIGS. 4A and 4B. Amino acid (FIG. 4A) (SEQ ID NO:24) and nucleic acid (FIG. 4B) (SEQ ID NO:25) sequences of CON-S Env gp160. A CFI form of the protein of FIG. 4A was used in Example 2. (Gp140CFI refers to an HIV-1 envelope design with the cleavage site (C), fusion site (F), and gp41 immunodominant region (I) deleted in addition to the deletion of the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains.)

FIG. 5. Structures of phosphospholipids used in immunization regimens and resulting neutralization titers.

FIGS. 6A and 6B. Peptide sequences used in the generation of peptide-liposome conjugates (FIG. 6A (SEQ ID NOs:26, 27, 2, 3, 4, and 5); FIG. 6B (SEQ ID NOs:6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14). The nominal epitopes of mAbs 2F5 and 4E10 binding epitopes include sequences ELDKWAS (SEQ ID NO:12) and WFNITNW (SEQ ID NO:21), respectively, and are underlined. The V3 sequences were derived from gp120 of HIV-1 MN strain and were used as a control construct. Scrambled sequences are used controls.

FIG. 7. Schematic presentation of various designs of MPER gp41 constructs. The functional regions are indicated above the schematic constructs. Amino acid sequences are indicated below each of schematic constructs (SEQ ID NO:15-SEQ ID NO:20). Initiation and maturation signal sequences are highlighted in blue; immunodominant regions are highlighted in bold; MPER regions are highlighted in brown and GTH1 domains are highlighted in red and transmembrane domains are underlined. His-tags were added to the C-terminal ends of the constructs for easy purification and are highlighted in green.

FIG. 8. Binding of mAb 4E10 to peptide-liposome conjugates. BIAcore binding curves show specific and markedly higher binding of mAb 4E10 to GTH1-4E10 liposomes. Low levels of binding with fast kinetics to GTH1-2F5 liposomes were also detected.

FIG. 9. Binding of 2F5 mAb to peptide-liposomes. MAb 2F5 bound specifically to GTH1-2F5 liposomes and showed no binding to GTH1-4E10 liposomes.

FIG. 10. A32 mAb binding to peptide-liposomes. A control anti-gp120 Mab, A32, showed no binding to any of the liposome conjugates. 17b, a CD4-inducible mAb, also showed no binding to the above liposome conjugates (data not shown).

FIG. 11. Generation of fluorescein conjugated peptide-liposomes. Peptide-liposomes were conjugated with a fluorescein tag by incorporating fluorescein-POPE in the lipid composition. Binding assays show that the specificity of mAb 4E10 binding is retained in fluorescein conjugated liposomes. Fluorescein-conjugated GTH1-2F5 liposomes gave similar results.

FIG. 12. Reactivity of immunized guinea pig sera with 4E10 peptide. ELISA binding assay show strong positive reactivity of sera to 4E10 peptide from two guinea pigs immunized with GTH1-4E10 liposomes. All pre-bleed sera gave background binding while a low level of binding was observed in a serum from an animal immunized with 4E10 peptide. Both the positive sera from the peptide-liposome immunized animals also showed neutralizing activity (Table 2). One serum (1102) showed neutralization of MN and SS1196 strains with antibody titers at 1:209 and 1:32 respectively. The second serum (1103) was only effective against the MN virus (1:60).

FIG. 13. MPER mAb binding to peptide epitope follows a simple model (Langmuir equation).

FIG. 14. Neutralizing MPER mAb binding to epitope peptide-lipid conjugate follows a 2-step conformational change model.

FIG. 15. Human cluster II mAbs (98-6, 167-D, 126-6) bind strongly to Env gp140.

FIGS. 16A-16D. Human Cluster II mAbs bound strongly to the anionic phospholipid, cardiolipin.

FIGS. 17A-17E. Human Cluster II mAb 98-6 bound to 2F5 peptide-lipid conjugates with higher avidity and followed the 2-step conformational change model.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention results, at least in part, from studies demonstrating that certain broadly neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies are autoantibodies. A large number of HIV+patients transiently make low levels of such antibodies, however, the studies described herein indicate that gp41 epitopes do not induce these antibody specificities but, rather, that cross-reactive autoantigens, including cardiolipin, are the priming antigen.

The present invention provides a method of inducing antibodies that neutralize HIV. The method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an amount of at least one heterologous (e.g., non-human) or homologous (e.g., human) cross-reactive autoantigen sufficient to effect the induction. Cross-reactive autoantigens suitable for use in the instant invention include cardiolipin, SS-A/RO, dsDNA from bacteria or mammalian cells, centromere B protein and RiBo nucleoprotein (RNP).

Suitable autoantigens also include phospholipids in addition to cardiolipin, such as phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphotidylinositol, sphingomyelin, and derivatives thereof, e.g., 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-L-serine] (POPS), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE), and dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE). Use of hexagonal 11 phases of phospholipids can be advantageous and phospholipids that readily form hexagonally packed cylinders of the hexagonal 11 tubular phase (e.g., under physiological conditions) are preferred, as are phospholipids that can be stabilized in the hexagonal iI phase. (See Rauch et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:4112-4114 (1990); Aguilar et al et al, J. Biol. Chem. 274: 25193-25196 (1999)).

Fragments of such autoantigens comprising the cross-reactive epitopes can also be used.

The autoantigen, or fragment thereof, can be used, for example, in prime boost regimens that can be readily optimized by one skilled in the art (DNA sequences encoding proteinaceous components of such regimens can be administered under conditions such that the proteinaceous component is produced in vivo). By way of example, cross-reactive autoantigen can be used as a first vaccine prime to boost natural auto-antibodies (e.g., anti-cardiolipin 4E10- and 2F5-like antibodies). Either autoantigen (e.g., cardiolipin (or fragment thereof)), or an HIV-envelope protein/polypeptide/peptide comprising a cross-reactive epitope(s), such as the 2F5 and/or 4E10 epitopes (which epitopes can include at least the sequences ELDKWA (SEQ ID NO:23) and NWFDIT (SEQ ID NO:22), respectively), can be used as the boost. (See sequences disclosed in PCT/US04/30397.) (It will be appreciated that HIV-envelope is not an autoantigen.)

The mode of administration of the autoantigen and/or HIV-protein/polypeptide/peptide, or encoding sequence, can vary with the immunogen, the patient and the effect sought, similarly, the dose administered. Optimum dosage regimens can be readily determined by one skilled in the art. Typically, administration is subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intranasal or oral.

The immunogenic agents can be administered in combination with an adjuvant. While a variety of adjuvants can be used, preferred adjuvants include CpG oligonucleotides and other agents (e.g., TRL9 agonists) that can break tolerance to autoantigens without inducing autoimmune disease (Tran et al, Clin. Immunol. 109:278-287 (2003), US Appln Nos. 20030181406, 20040006242, 20040006032, 20040092472, 20040067905, 20040053880, 20040152649, 20040171086, 20040198680, 200500059619).

The invention includes compositions suitable for use in the instant method, including compositions comprising the autoantigen, and/or HIV protein/polypeptide/peptide comprising one or more cross-reactive epitopes (e.g., 4E10 and/or 2F5 epitopes), or 4E10 or 2F5 epitope mimics, and a carrier. When a DNA prime or boost can be used, suitable formulations include a DNA prime and a recombinant adenovirus boost and a DNA prime and a recombinant mycobacteria boost, where the DNA or the vectors encode, for example, either HIV envelope or a protein autoantigen, such as SS-A/Ro. Other combinations of these vectors can be used as primes or boosts, either with or without HIV protein/polypeptide/peptide and/or autoantigen. The composition can be present, for example, in a form suitable for injection or nasal administration. Advantageously, the composition is sterile. The composition can be present in dosage unit form.

The present invention also relates to a passive immunotherapy approach wherein B cells from patients with a primary autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) or anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome or patients with infectious diseases such as syphilis, leishmaniasis, and leprosy, are used in the production of cross-reactive antibodies (including monoclonal antibodies other than 4E10 and 2F5). That is, the invention includes the use of B cells from SLE patients, as well as other patients with disordered immunoregulation (that is, patients with a primary autoimmune disease, or a non-HIV infection such as those noted above, that produce autoantibodies cross-reactive with HIV envelope), in the production of immortal cell lines that provide a source of antibodies that cross-react with HIV envelope (such as 2F5-like and 4E10-like antibodies) (see Stiegler et al, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 17:1757-1765 (2001), Armbruster et al, J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 54:915-920 (2004), U.S. Pat. No. 5,831,034). Advantageously, the B cells are from an SLE patient (or patient with another primary autoimmune disease) that is HIV infected or that has received an envelope-based HIV vaccine (while not wishing to be bound by theory, HIV infection or vaccination may serve to “boost” primed B1 cells (e.g., cardiolipin-primed B1 cells) to produce 2F5- and/or 4E10-like antibodies and escape deletion (which would occur in a normal subject)—the “boost” may trigger somatic hypermutation so that the resulting Ig genes encode antibodies that fit 2F5 and or 4E10-like epitopes—or that fit other gp160 epitopes that induce broadly neutralizing antibodies but are deleted in normal subjects). The production of immortal cell lines from B cells can be effected using any of a variety of art recognized techniques, including, but not limited to, fusing such B cells with myeloma cells to produce hybridomas.

Once selected, sequences encoding such cross-reactive antibodies (or binding fragments thereof) can be cloned and amplified (see, for example, Huse et al, Science 246:1275-1281 (1989), and phage-display technology as described in WO 91/17271, WO 92/01047, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,877,218, 5,871,907, 5,858,657, 5,837,242, 5,733,743 and 5,565,332). Soluble antibodies for therapy can then be designed and produced using art recognized techniques (Stiegler et al, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 17:1757-1765 (2001), Armbruster et al, J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 54:915-920 (2004)).

In accordance with this approach, the antibody (or binding fragment thereof) can be administered in doses ranging from about 10 to 100 mg/dose, preferably 25 mg/dose. The dosage and frequency can vary with the antibody (or binding fragment thereof), the patient and the effect sought (see Armbruster et al, J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 54:915-920 (2004)). The antibodies described above can be used prophylactically or therapeutically.

The antibodies (or binding fragments thereof), or DNA encoding the antibodies or binding fragments, can be formulated with a carrier (e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable carrier) and can be administered by, for example, parenteral, intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular or intranasal routes.

Finally, animal species such as camels (Ramsland et al, Exp. Clin. Immunogenet. 18:176-198 (2001), Litman et al, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 7:109-147 (1999)), cows (Ramsland et al, Exp. Clin. Immunogenet. 18:176-198 (2001), Litman et al, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 7:109-147 (1999)) and sharks (Ramsland et al, Exp. Clin. Immunogenet. 18:176-198 (2001), Litman et al, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 7:109-147 (1999), Hohman et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U S A. 90:9882-9886 (1993)) have very long CDR3 lengths, and their antibodies show polyreactivitiy. These engineered CDR3s that show polyreactivity to HIV envelope can be utilized for making potent therapeutic antibodies (e.g, monoclonal antibodies, including, for example, chimeric and humanized antibodies, and antigen binding fragments thereof) to HIV and to many infectious agents.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention further relates to synthetic liposome-peptide conjugates and to methods of using same as immunogens for the generation of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1. This embodiment of the invention provides compositions and methods for embedding into synthetic liposomes nominal epitope peptides of broadly neutralizing antibodies that bind to the MPER of HIV-1 gp41. Also provided are immunization strategies and protocols for the generation of anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies and for the detection of antigen specific B cell responses.

In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, peptide sequences that include a nominal epitope of a broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibody and a hydrophobic linker, such as GTH1 (see FIG. 6 for sequence), are embedded into synthetic liposomes. In a preferred aspect, the nominal epitope is that of mAbs 2F5 (ELDKWAS) (SEQ ID NO:12) or 4E10 (WFNITNW) (SEQ ID NO:21), which, as noted above, lie in the MPER of HIV-1 envelope gp41. The epitope can be present in the peptide such that antibodies specific therefore have relatively unconstrained access or, alternatively, the epitope can be present in the peptide in relation to the hydrophobic linker so as to mimic the native orientation of the MPER region. Specific examples of peptide sequences suitable for use in the invention are set forth in FIG. 6. In addition, the MPER gp41 region can be expressed as recombinant proteins in recombinant vaccinia virus, in human cell expression systems, and formulated with amphipathic alpha helices at the N or C termini of the gp41 component for ease in association with liposomes (FIG. 7).

Liposomes suitable for use in the invention include, but are not limited to, those comprising POPC, POPE, DMPA (or sphingomyelin (SM)), lysophosphorylcholine, phosphatidylserine, and cholesterol (Ch). While optimum ratios can be determined by one skilled in the art, examples include POPC:POPE (or POPS):SM:Ch or POPC:POPE (or POPS):DMPA:Ch at ratios of 45:25:20:10. Alternative formulations of liposomes that can be used include DMPC (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) (or lysophosphorylcholine), cholesterol (Ch) and DMPG (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phoshpho-rac-(1-glycerol) formulated at a molar ratio of 9:7.5:1 (Wassef et al, ImmunoMethods 4:217-222 (1994); Alving et al, G. Gregoriadis (ed.), Liposome technology 2^(nd) ed., vol. III CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla. (1993); Richards et al, Infect. Immun. 66(6):285902865 (1998)). The above-described lipid compositions can be complexed with lipid A and used as an immunogen to induce antibody responses against phospholipids (Schuster et al, J. Immunol. 122:900-905 (1979)). A preferred formulation comprises POPC:POPS:Ch at ratios of 60:30:10 complexed with lipid A according to Schuster et al, J. Immunol. 122:900-905 (1979). Peptides suitable for inclusion in such a formulation include, but are not limited to, 2F5-GTH1, 4E10-GTH1, SP8926-GTH1, and SP8928-GTH1.

The optimum ratio of peptide to total lipid can vary, for example, with the peptide and the liposome. For the peptides of Example 3, a ratio 1:420 was advantageous.

The above-described liposomes can be admixed with recombinant domain V of β2 glycoprotein 1 to elicit antibodies against this domain.

The liposome-peptide conjugates can be prepared using standard techniques (see too Examples 3 and 4 that follow).

The peptide-liposome immunogens of the invention can be formulated with, and/or administered with, adjuvants such as lipid A, oCpGs, TRL4 agonists or TLR 7 agonists that facilitate robust antibody responses (Rao et al, Immunobiol. Cell Biol. 82(5):523 (2004)). Other adjuvants that can be used include alum and Q521 (which do not break existing B cell tolerance). Preferred formulations comprise an adjuvant that is designed to break forms of B cell tolerance, such as oCpGs in an oil emulsion such as Emulsigen (an oil in water emulsion) (Tran et al, Clin. Immunol. 109(3):278-287 (2003)). Additional suitable adjuvants include those described in Ser. No. 11/302,505, filed Dec. 14, 2005, including the TRL agonists disclosed therein.

The peptide-liposome immunogens can be administered, for example, IV, intranasally, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intravaginally, or intrarectally. The route of administration can vary, for example, with the patient, the conjugate and/or the effect sought, likewise the dosing regimen. The peptide-liposome immunogens are preferred for use prophylactically, however, their administration to infected individuals may reduce viral load.

As described in Example 3 that follows, the peptide-liposome conjugates can be used as reagents for the detection of MPER-specific B cell responses. For example, the peptide-liposome constructs can be conjugated with a detectable label, e.g., a fluorescent label, such as fluorescein. The fluorescein-conjugated liposomes can be used in flow cytometric assays as a reagent for the detection of anti-MPER specific B cell responses in hosts immunized with HIV-1 Env proteins that present exposed MPER region. These reagents can be used to study peripheral blood B cells to determine the effectiveness of immunization for anti-MPER antibody induction by measuring the number of circulating memory B cells after immunization. The data presented in the Examples that follow indicate that conformational change associated binding of HIV-1 cluster 11 monoclonal antibodies to nominal epitope peptide lipid conjugates correlates with HIV-1 neutralization (see Example 5).

It will be appreciated from a reading of the foregoing that if HIV has evolved to escape the host immune response by making the immune system blind to it, other infectious agents may have evolved similarly. That is, this may represent a general mechanism of escape. That being the case, approaches comparable to those described herein can be expected to be useful in the treatment of such other agents well.

Certain aspects of the invention are described in greater detail in the non-limiting Examples that follow (see also Maksyutov et al, J. Clin. Virol. December 31 Suppl 1:S26-38 (2004), US Appln. 20040161429, and Haynes et al, Science 308:1906 (2005)).

EXAMPLE 1

Design of an HIV-1 immunogen that can induce broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies is a major goal of HIV-1 vaccine development. While rare human mabs exist that broadly neutralize HIV-1, HIV-1 envelope immunogens do not induce these antibody specificities. In this study, it was demonstrated that the two most broadly reactive HIV-1 envelope gp41 human mabs, 2F5 and 4E10, are polyspecific, autoantibodies reactive with cardiolipin. Thus, current HIV-1 vaccines may not induce antibodies against membrane proximal gp41 epitopes because of gp41 membrane proximal epitopes mimicry of autoantigens.

Experimental Details

Monoclonal Antibodies. Mabs 2F5, 2G12, and 4E10 were produced as described (Steigler et al, AID Res. Human Retroviruses 17:1757 (2001), Purtscher et al, AIDS 10:587 (1996), Trkola et al, J. Virol. 70:1100 (1996)). IgG1b12(Burton et al, Science 266:1024-1027(1994)) was the generous gift of Dennis Burton, Scripps Institute, La Jolla, Calif. Mab 447-52D (Zolla-Pazner et al, AIDS Res. Human Retrovirol. 20:1254 (2004)) was obtained from the AIDS Reagent Repository, NIAID, NIH. The remainder of the mabs in Table 1 were produced from HIV-1 infected subjects and used as described (Robinson et al, AIDS Res. Human Retrovirol. 6:567 (1990), Binley et al, J. Virol. 78:13232 (2004)).

Autoantibody Assays. An anti-cardiolipin ELISA was used as described (DeRoe et al, J. Obstet. Gynecol. Neonatal Nurs. 5:207 (1985), Harris et al, Clin. Exp. Immunol. 68:215 (1987)). A similar ELISA was adapted for assay for mab reactivity to phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidyethanolamine, and sphingomyelin (all purchased from Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.). The Luminex AtheNA Multi-Lyte ANA Test (Wampole Laboratories, Princeton, N.J.) was used for mab reactivity to SS-A/Ro, SS-B/La, Sm, ribonucleoprotein (RNP), Scl-70, Jo-1, double stranded (ds) DNA, centromere B, and histone. Mab concentrations assayed were 150 μg, 50 μg, 15 μg, and 5 μg/ml. Ten μl of each concentration (0.15 μg, 0.05 μg, 0.015 μg, and 0.005 μg, respectively, per assay) were incubated with the Luminex fluorescence beads and the test performed per manufacturer's specifications. Values in Table 1 are results of assays with 0.15 μg added per test. In addition, an ELISA for SS-A/Ro (ImmunoVision, Springdale, AR) and dsDNA (Inova Diagnostics, San Diego, Calif.) was also used to confirm these autoantigen specificities. Reactivity to human epithelial Hep-2 cells was determined using indirect immunofluoresence on Hep-2 slides using Evans Blue as a counterstain and FITC-conjugated goat anti-human IgG (Zeus Scientific, Raritan N.J.). Slides were photographed on a Nikon Optiphot fluorescence microscope. Rheumatoid factor was performed by nephelometry (Dade Behring, Inc (Newark, Del.). Lupus anticoagulant assay was performed by activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT) and dilute Russell viper venom testing, as described (Moll and Ortel, Ann. lnt. Med. 127:177 (1997)). Fourty μl of 1 mg/ml of 2F5, 4E10 and control mabs were added to pooled normal plasma (final mab concentration, 200 μg/ml) for lupus anticoagulant assay. Anti-β2 glycoprotein-1 assay was an ELISA (Inova Diagnostics, Inc.). Serum antibodies to dsDNA, SS-A/Ro, SS-B/La, Sm, RNP and histone occur in patients with SLE; serum antibodies to centromere B and scl-70 (topoisomerase I) are found in systemic sclerosis; and antibodies to Jo-1 are found in association with polymyositis (Rose and MacKay, The Autoimmune Diseases, Third Ed. Academic Press, Sand Diego, Calif. (1998)).

Results

The reactivity of mabs 2F5 and 4E10, two additional rare broadly reactive neutralizing mabs (2G12 and IgG1b12), and thirty-one common anti-HIV-1 Env human mabs, with cardiolipin (Robinson et al, AIDS Res. Human Retrovirol. 6:567 (1990)) was determined (Table 1). Both 2F5 and 4E10 reacted with cardiolipin, whereas all 33 of the other mabs were negative. Mab 2F5 also reacted with SS-A/Ro, histones and centromere B autoantigen, while mab 4E10 reacted with the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) autoantigen, SS-A/Ro. Both 2F5 and 4E10 reacted with Hep-2 human epithelial cells in a diffuse cytoplasmic and nuclear pattern (Robinson et al, AIDS Res. Human Retrovirol. 6:567 (1990)) (FIG. 2). Thus, both 2F5 and 4E10 are characterized by polyspecific autoreactivity.

TABLE 1 Hep-2 Cell Mab Type and Antibody Name Cardiolipin Reactivity Ro(SSA) dsDNA Centromere B Histones Membrane Proximal External 47 Cytoplasmic  290 − 1,776 1,011  Region (2F5) nuclear Membrane Proximal External 15,434   +Cytoplasmic  221 − − − Region (4E10) nuclear CD4 Binding Site (IgG1b12) − +Cytoplasmic − 513  479 185 nucleolar CD4 Binding Site (F1.5E, 25G) − − − − − − Adjacent CD4 Binding Site − − − − 1,131 − (A32) Adjacent CD4 Binding Site − − − 768 1,422 539 (1.4G) Adjacent CD4 Binding Site − − − − − − (1.4C, 4.6H, 4.11C) Third variable loop (CO11, − − − − − − F2A3, F3.9F, LA21, 447-52D) gp41 immunodominant region − − − − − − (7B2, KU32) gp41 immunodominant region − +intermediate − −  314 − (2.2B) filament C1-C4 gp120 (8.2A, 2.3B) − − − − − − C1-C4 gp120 (EH21, C11) − − − − − − Glycan-dependent (2G12) − − − − − − CCR5 binding site (1.7B, 2.1C, − − − − − − LF17, E51 1:9F, LA15, 4.8E, LA28, 1.9E, E047, 2.5E, ED10) Positive control serum 34 +homogeneous 1365 228  624  34 nuclear Negative controls <16  − <120 <120   <120 <120  All Mabs were negative in assays for reactivity with La (SSB), Sm, Scl-70 and Jo-1, except for Ku32 mab that reacted with Sm. Ro (SSA), dsDNA, centromere B, histone and cardiolipin antibody values are in relative units based on a standard curve. − = negative

Of the two other rare neutralizing mabs, one mab, 2G12, was not autoreactive, while another mab against the CD4 binding site, IgG1b12 (Stiegler et al, AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 17:1757 (2001)), reacted with ribonucleoprotein, dsDNA, and centromere B as well as with Hep-2 cells in a cytoplamic and nucleolar pattern (Table 1 and FIG. 2). Of the 31 more common anti-HIV-1 mabs studied, only two mabs with specificity for binding near the CD4 binding site (A32, 1.4G) and a mab to a non-neutralizing gp41 epitope (2.2 B) showed evidence of polyreactivity (Table 1).

To determine if 2F5 and 4E10 were similar to prothrombotic anti-cardiolipin antibodies found in SLE-associated anti-phospholipid syndrome (Burton et al, Science 266:1024-1027 (1994)), both mabs were tested for lupus anticoagulant activity, and for the ability to bind to prothombin (PT), beta-2 glycoprotein-1, phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and sphingomyelin (SM) (Robinson et al, AIDS Res. Human Retrovirol. 6:567 (1990)). Whereas 2F5 was negative for these reactivities, 4E10 had lupus anticoagulant reactivity, and reacted strongly with PS, PC, PE, weakly with SM and PT, and negatively with P2 glycoprotein-1. (See FIG. 3.)

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies can be found in patients with disordered immunoregulation due to autoimmune disease or infection (Burton et al, Science 266:1024-1027 (1994)). Anti-cardiolipin autoantibodies are induced by syphilis, leprosy, leishmaniasis, Epstein Barr virus, and HIV-1 (Burton et al, Science 266:1024-1027 (1994)). Unlike anti-cardiolipin antibodies found in SLE, “infectious” anti-cardiolipin antibodies are rarely prothrombotic, and are transient. Thus, 4E10 is similar to anti-cardiolipin antibodies in autoimmune disease, and 2F5 is similar to anti-cardiolipin antibodies in infectious diseases.

Autoreactive B cell clones with long CDR3 lengths are normally deleted or made tolerant to self antigens ((Zolla-Pazner et al, AIDS Res. Human Retrovirol. 20:1254 (2004)). Thus, HIV-1 may have evolved to escape membrane proximal antibody responses by having conserved neutralizing epitopes as mimics of autoantibody epitopes. These data suggest that current HIV-1 vaccines do not routinely induce robust membrane proximal anti-envelope neutralizing antibodies because antibodies targeting these epitopes are derived from autoreactive B cell clones that are normally deleted or made tolerant upon antigenic stimulation by HIV-1 Env. These observations may also explain the rare occurrence of HIV-1 in SLE patients who may be unable to delete such clones (Fox et al, Arth. Rhum. 40:1168 (1997)).

EXAMPLE 2

The ability of autoantigens of the invention to induce the production of neutralizing antibodies was studied using, as autoantigen, cardiolipin (lamellar and hexagonal phases), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-L-serine](POPS) (lamellar and hexagonal phases), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) (lamellar phase) and dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) (hexagonal phase). Guinea pigs (4 per group) were immunized with phospholopid (cardiolipin lamellar phase, cardiolipin hexagonal phase, POPS lamellar phase, POPS hexagonal phase, POPE lamellar phase or DOPE hexagonal phase) in 10 μg of oCpGs, four times, with each immunization being two weeks apart. Following the four phospholipid immunizations, a final immunization was made IP with 10 μg of oCpGs with 100 μg of group M consensus Env, CON-S gp140CFI oligomer (that is, the CFI form of the protein shown in FIG. 4A).

Neutralization assays were performed using an Env pseudotype neutralization assay in TMZ cells (Wei et al, Nature 422:307-312 (2003), Derdeyn et al, J Virol 74:8358-8367 (2000), Wei et al, Antimicrob Agents Chemother 46:1896-1905 (2002), Platt et al, J Virol 72:2855-2864 (1998), Mascola et al, J. Virol. 79:10103-10107 (2005)), as described below:

Cell Culture

TZM-bl is an adherent cell line and is maintained in T-75 culture flasks. Complete growth medium (GM) consists of D-MEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, heat-inactivated) and gentamicin (50 μg/ml). Cell monolayers are disrupted and removed by treatment with trypsin/EDTA:

Trypsin-EDTA Treatment for Disruption of TZM-bl Cell Monolayers:

Cell monolayers maintained in T-75 culture flasks are disrupted and removed by treatment with trypsin/EDTA at confluency when splitting cells for routine maintenance and when preparing cells for assay.

-   1. Decant the culture medium and remove residual serum by rinsing     monolayers with 6 ml of sterile PBS. -   2. Slowly add 2.5 ml of an 0.25% Trypin-EDTA solution to cover the     cell monolayer. Incubate at room temp for 30-45 seconds. Decant the     trypsin solution and incubate at 37° C. for 4 minutes. Do not     agitate the cells by hitting or shaking the flask while waiting for     the cells to detach. -   3. Add 10 ml of GM and suspend the cells by gentle pipet action.     Count cells. -   4. Seed new T-75 culture flasks with approximately 106 cells in 15     ml of GM. Cultures are incubated at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂/95% air     environment. Cells should be split approximately every 3 days.     Virus Stocks

Stocks of uncloned viruses may be produced in either PBMC or T cell lines. Pseudoviruses may be produced by transfection in an appropriate cell type, such as 293T cells. All virus stocks should be made cell free by low speed centrifugation and filtration (0.45-micron) and stored at −80° C. in GM containing 20% FBS.

TCID50 Determination

It is necessary to determine the TCID50 of each virus stock in a single-cycle infection assay (2-day incubation) in TZM-bl cells prior to performing neutralization assays. A cut-off value of 2.5-times background RLU is used when quantifying positive infection in TCID50 assays.

Too much virus in the neutralization assay can result in strong virus-induced cytopathic effects that interfere with accurate measurements. Most virus stocks must be diluted at least 1 0-fold to avoid cell-killing. A standard inoculum of 200 TCID50 was chosen for the neutralization assay to minimize virus-induced cytopathic effects while maintaining an ability to measure a 2-log reduction in virus infectivity. It should be noted that different strains vary significantly in their cytopathicity. Virus-induced cytopathic effects may be monitored by visual inspection of syncytium formation under light microscopy. Cytopthic effects may also be observed as reductions in luminescence at high virus doses in the TCID50 assay.

Neutralizing Antibody Assay Protocol

-   NOTE 1: All incubations are performed in a humidified 37° C., 5% CO₂     incubator unless otherwise specified. -   NOTE 2: Assays with replication-competent viruses are performed in     DEAE-GM containing 1 μM indinavir. -   1. Using the format of a 96-well flat-bottom culture plate, place     150 μl of GM in all wells of column 1 (cell control). Place 100 μl     in all wells of columns 2-11 (column 2 will be the virus control).     Place an additional 40 μl in all wells of columns 3-12, row H (to     receive test samples). -   2. Add 11 μl of test sample to each well in columns 3 & 4, row H.     Add 11 μl of a second test sample to each well in columns 5 & 6,     row H. Add 11 μl of a third test sample to each well in columns 7 &     8, row H. Add 11 μl of a fourth test sample to each well in columns     9 & 10, row H. Add 11 μl of a fifth test sample to each well in     columns 11 & 12, row H. Mix the samples in row H and transfer 50 μl     to row G. Repeat the transfer and dilution of samples through row A     (these are serial 3-fold dilutions). After final transfer and mixing     is complete, discard 50 μl from the wells in columns 3-12, row A     into a waste container of disinfectant. -   3. Thaw the required number of vials of virus by placing in an     ambient temperature water bath. When completely thawed, dilute the     virus in GM to achieve a concentration of 4,000 TCID₅₀/ml.

Cell-free stocks of virus should be prepared in advance and cryopreserved in working aliquots of approximately 1 ml.

-   4. Dispense 50 μl of cell-free virus (200 TCID₅₀) to all wells in     columns 2-12, rows A through H. Mix by pipet action after each     transfer. Rinse pipet tips in a reagent reservoir containing 40 ml     sterile PBS between each transfer to avoid carry-over. -   5. Cover plates and incubate for 1 hour. -   6. Prepare a suspension of TZM-bl cells (trypsinize aproximately     10-15 minutes prior to use) at a density of 1×10⁵ cells/ml in GM     containing DEAE dextran (37.5 μg/ml). Dispense 100 μl of cell     suspension (10,000 cells per well) to each well in columns 1-12,     rows A though H. Rinse pipet tips in a reagent reservoir filled with     sterile PBS between each transfer to avoid carry-over. The final     concentration of DEAE dextran is 15 μg/ml. -   7. Cover plates and incubate for 48 hours. -   8. Remove 150 μl of culture medium from each well, leaving     approximately 100 μl. Dispense 100 μl of Bright Glo™ Reagent to each     well. Incubate at room temperature for 2 minutes to allow complete     cell lysis. Mix by pipet action (at least two strokes) and transfer     150 μl to a corresponding 96-well black plate. Read the plate     immediately in a luminometer. -   9. Percent neutralization is determined by calculating the     difference in average RLU between test wells (cells+serum     sample+virus) and cell control wells (cells only, column 1),     dividing this result by the difference in average RLU between virus     control (cell+virus, column 2) and cell control wells (column 1),     subtracting from 1 and multiplying by 100. Neutralizing antibody     titers are expressed as the reciprocal of the serum dilution     required to reduce RLU by 50%.

As shown in FIG. 5, animals receiving DOPE (hexagonal phase) had a neutralization titer of 170.

EXAMPLE 3

Immunogen Design

Peptide sequences that include the nominal epitopes of mAbs 2F5 and 4E10, respectively, linked to a hydrophobic linker (GTH1) were synthesized and embedded into synthetic liposomes (FIG. 6). The first generation of immunogens was designed with the 2F5 and 4E10 epitope sequences at the distal end of the lipid bilayer (FIG. 6A). These constructs provided unconstrained access of mAbs to their respective epitopes. The second generation constructs have been designed to mimic the native orientation of the MPER region with the 2F5 and 4E10 mAb epitope sequences linked proximal to the hydrophobic linker (FIGS. 6A, 6B).

The composition of the synthetic liposomes comprised the following phospholipids, POPC (1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine), POPE (1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine), DMPA (1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphate), and Cholesterol dissolved in chloroform (purchased from Avanti Polar Lipids (Alabaster, Ala.).).

Synthetic liposomes were prepared by dispensing appropriate molar amounts of phospholipids (POPC:POPE:DMPA:Ch=45:25:20:10) in chloroform resistant tubes. The phospholipids were mixed by vortexing and the mixture was dried in the fume hood under a gentle stream of nitrogen. Any residual chloroform was removed by storing the lipids under a high vacuum (15 h). Aqueous suspensions of phospholipids were prepared by adding PBS or TBS buffer, pH 7.4, and incubating at 37° C. for 10-30 minutes, with intermittent, vigorous vortexing to resuspend the phospholipids. The milky, uniform suspension of phospholipids was then sonicated in a bath sonicator (Misonix Sonicator 3000, Misonix Inc., Farmingdale, NY). The sonicator was programmed to run 3 consecutive cycles of 45 seconds of total sonication per cycle. Each cycle included 5 seconds of sonication pulse (70 watts power output) followed by a pulse off period of 12 seconds. At the end of sonication, the suspension of lamellar liposomes was stored at 4° C.

HIV-1 MPER peptides GTH1-2F5 and GTH1-4E10 (FIG. 6) were dissolved in 70% chloroform, 30% methanol. Chloroform solutions of lipids were added to the peptide solution, in the molar ratios of 45:25:20:10 (POPC:POPE :DMPA :Cholesterol). Each peptide was added to a ratio of peptide:total phospholipids of 1:420. The mixture was vortexed, then dried and resuspended as described above.

Binding assays to test specificity of mAb binding to each peptide-lipid conjugate were performed following capture of the liposomes on a BAcore L1 sensor chip, which allows immobilization of lipid bilayer via a hydrophobic linker. 2F5, 4E10 and control mAbs (A32 or 17b) were injected over each of the sensor surfaces with either synthetic liposomes, or peptide-lipid conjugates and the binding monitored on a BlAcore 3000 instrument (FIGS. 8-11).

Immunization Strategy

The immunization strategy incorporated a regimen that allows temporary breaks in tolerance. The protocol involves the use of oCpGs, the TLR9 ligand that has been used to break tolerance for the production of anti-dsDNA antibodies in mice (Tran et al, Clin. Immunol. 109(3):278-287 (2003)). The peptide-liposome conjugates were mixed (1:1) with the adjuvant, Emulsigen plus oCpG. The Emulsigen mixed adjuvant (2×) was prepared by mixing 375 μL of Emulsigen, 250 μL of oCpG and 625 μL of saline. Each guinea pig was immunized on a 21-day interval with 250 μg of either peptide alone or peptide-liposome conjugates with equivalent amount of peptide. Serum samples were harvested as pre-bleed prior to first immunization and at each subsequent immunizations. Serum samples were analyzed by ELISA assay (FIG. 12) for binding to peptide epitopes and for viral neutralization assay (Table 2). Data in FIG. 12, show strong reactivity to 4E10 peptide of sera from two guinea pigs immunized with GTH1-4E10 liposomes, while only low level of reactivity was observed in a serum from 4E10 peptide immunized animal. Both the positive sera also neutralized HIV-1 MN strain (Table 2).

TABLE 2 Induction of neutralizing antibodies in guinea pigs immunized with 4E10 peptide-liposomes HIV-1 Strain/antibody titer Animal No. MN SS1196 1102 Bleed 4 209 32 1103 Bleed 4 60 <20 Application of Peptide-liposome Conjugates in the Detection of Antigen Specific B Cell Responses.

The above peptide-liposome conjugates have been utilized as a reagent for the detection of MPER specific B cell responses. The peptide-liposome constructs (2F5 and 4E10) were conjugated with fluorescein by incorporating fluorescein-POPE in the lipid composition. The flourescein-POPE was mixed with unonjugated POPE at a ratio of 45:55 and then mixed with the rest of the lipids in the molar ratio as described above. In BIAcore binding assays, both fluorescein conjugated 2F5 and 4E10-peptide-liposomes retained their specificity in binding to their respective mAbs (FIG. 11).

EXAMPLE 4

Generation of Peptide-lipid conjugates. Phospholipids POPC (1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphatidylcholine), POPE (1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphatidylethanolamine), DOPE (1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphatidylethanolamine); DM PA (1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphate) and cholesterol dissolved in chloroform were purchased from Avanti Polar Lipids (Alabaster, Ala.). Phospholipid liposomes were prepared by dispensing appropriate molar amounts of phospholipids in chloroform resistant tubes. Chloroform solutions of lipids were added to the peptide solution, in molar ratios of 45:25:20:10 (POPC:POPE:DMPA:Cholesterol). HIV-1 membrane proximal peptides were dissolved in 70% chloroform, 30% methanol. Each peptide was added to a molar ratio of peptide:total phospholipids of 1:420. The phospholipids were mixed by gentle vortexing and the mixture was dried in the fume hood under a gentle stream of nitrogen. Any residual chloroform was removed by storing the lipids under a high vacuum (15 h). Aqueous suspensions of phospholipids were prepared by adding PBS or TBS buffer, pH 7.4 and kept at a temperature above the Tm for 10-30 minutes, with intermittent, vigorous vortexing to resuspend the phospholipids followed by Sonication in a bath sonicator (Misonix Sonicator 3000, Misonix Inc., Farmingdale, N.Y.). The sonicator was programmed to run 3 consecutive cycles of 45 seconds of total sonication per cycle. Each cycle included 5 seconds of sonication pulse (70 watts power output) followed by a pulse off period of 12 seconds. At the end of sonication, the suspension of lamellar liposomes was stored at 4° C. and was thawed and sonicated again as described above prior to capture on BIAcore sensor chip.

Design of Peptide-lipid conjugates. Peptides were synthesized and purified by reverse-phase HPLC and purity was confirmed by mass spectrometric analysis. Peptides used in this study include the following—HIV-1 gp41 2F5 epitope peptides—2F5-GTH1 (QQEKNEQELLELDKWASLWN-YKRVVIILGLNKIVRMYS) (SEQ ID NO:13); and HIV-1 gp41 4E10 epitope peptides—4E10-GTH1 (SLWNWFNITNWLWYIK-YKRWIILGLNKIVRMYS) (SEQ ID NO:6). Additional peptides to be incorporated into liposomes include—SP8926-GTH1 (EQELLELDKWASLWN-YKRWIILGLNKIVRMYS) (residues 6-37 of SEQ ID NO:13); and Sp8928-GTH1(KWASLWNWFDITNWL-YKRWIILGLNKIVRMYS) (SEQ ID NO:28).

Peptide-liPid coniugates. Each of these peptides will be incorporated into synthetic liposomes of varying composition which include:

-   -   i) POPC:POPE:DMPA:Cholesterol     -   ii) POPC:POPS     -   iii) POPC:POPS:lysoPC     -   iv) POPC:POPE:Sphingomyelin:Cholesterol         The liposomes will be complexed with and without monophosphoryl         Lipid A (Avanti Polar Lipids).

EXAMPLE 5

Biotinylated 2F5 nominal epitope peptide (SP62) was anchored on streptavidin coated BlAcore sensor chip (SA) and either 2F5 mab or 2F5 Fab was injected over the peptide surfaces. Specific binding of 2F5 mAb (46.6-1800 nM) or 2F5 Fab (120-200 nM) was derived following subtraction of non-specific signal on a HR-1 peptide control surface. Kd was calculated following global curve fitting to a simple Langmuir equation using the BIAevaluation sortware. The data presented in FIG. 13 show that MPER mAb binding to peptide epitope follows a simple model (Langmuir equation).

About 600 RU of either 2F5 peptide-lipid (FIG. 14, left panel) or 4E10 peptide-lipid conjugates were anchored to a BIAcore L1 sensor chip and then 2F5 mAb or 4E10 mAb was injected at 100 μg/mL. Curve fitting analysis show that binding of both Mab bound to peptide-lipid conjugates follow a 2-step conformational change mode (FIG. 14). In each of the overlay, the binding data is shown in black and represents the observed total binding response. The component curves for the encounter complex (red) and the docked complex (blue) were simulated from the experimentally determined rate constants.

Envelope gp140 oligomers were anchored on a BlAcore CM5 chip and each of the mAbs indicated in FIG. 15 were injected over each of the Env surfaces. Human cluster 11 mAbs, 98-6,126-6, and 167-D bound strongly to Env gp140, while no binding was detected with the non-neutralizing murine MPER mAbs, 2F5, and 4E10.

Synthetic liposomes (PC:PE; green), or cardiolipin (red) was anchored on a BIAcore L1 sensor chip through hydrophobic interactions with the lipid linker (FIG. 16). Each of the indicated mAbs (500 nM) was injected over each of the lipid surface and a blank control surface. Strong binding of Cluster II mAb 98-6 and 167-D and moderate binding of mAb 126-6 is shown (FIGS. 16A-C). No binding of the anti-MPER mAb 13H11 to either lipid was observed.

2F5-peptide (SP62) lipid conjugates were anchored to a BIAcore L1 surface and binding to mAb 98-6, 167-D or 126-6 was monitored (FIG. 17A). Mab 98-6 bound strongly to the peptide-lipid conjugates, while relatively lower avidity binding was detected with mAb 167-D and 126-6. Curve fitting analysis show a 2-step conformational change associated binding of 2F5 (FIG. 17B) and 98-6 (FIG. 17C); while the binding of mAbs 167-D (FIG. 17D) and 126-6 (FIG. 17E) followed a simple model (Langmuir equation).

The data presented in Table 3 show binding and neutralization characteristics of 25F and other prototype anti-MPER cluster II mAbs. Only mAb 2F5 and 98-6, which bound strongly to linear epitope peptide and followed a 2-step conformational change model, neutralized HIV-1 in a PBMC assay.

TABLE 3 Nominal HIV Epitope Env gp140 Phospholipid Peptide-Lipid Neutralization MAb (HR-2 peptide) JRFL Cardiolipin Conjugates ID₅₀ in PBMC assay 2F5 ++ ++ + 2-step  1 μg/mL conformational 98-6 ++ ++ +++ 2-step  3.5 μg/mL conformational 126-6 + ++ +++ Simple model Non-Neut* 167-D + ++ ++ Simple model Non-Neut* 13H11 + + −ve +/− >50 μg/mL 5A9 + + −ve +/− >50 μg/mL *Gorny et al, J. Virol. 74: 6168 (2000); Nyambi et al, J. Virol. 74: 7096 (2000)

All documents and other information sources cited above are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An immunogenic composition comprising the MPER656-GTH1 peptide (SEQ ID NO: 4), wherein the peptide is embedded in a liposome via the GTH1 linker, and wherein the liposome comprises a viral membrane lipid or an anionic lipid.
 2. The composition of claim 1, and wherein the liposome comprises POPC.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liposome comprises cholesterol.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liposome comprises POPC (1-Pahnitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine), POPE (1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine), DMPA (1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphate), and Cholesterol.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liposome comprises POPC and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-L-serine] (POPS).
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liposome comprises POPC and POPS and lysophosphorylcholine (lysoPC).
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liposome comprises POPC and POPE and Sphingomyelin and Cholesterol.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liposome comprises DOPC and cholesterol.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liposome comprises DPPC, DPPG and cholesterol.
 10. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises alum.
 11. The composition according to claim 1 wherein said composition further comprises lipid A, oCpG, or TLR agonist.
 12. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionic lipid is phosphatidyliserine.
 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionic lipid is phosphatidic acid.
 14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionic lipid is cardiolipin.
 15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liposome comprises a sphingolipid.
 16. The composition of claim 1, wherein the peptide embedded in the liposome binds an MPER neutralizing antibody.
 17. The composition of claim 1, wherein peptide embedded in the liposome binds an MPER neutralizing antibody 2F5 or 4E10.
 18. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises an adjuvant.
 19. The composition according to claim 3 wherein the composition further comprises an adjuvant.
 20. The composition according to claim 3 wherein the composition further comprises alum.
 21. The composition of claim 3, wherein the peptide embedded in the liposome binds an MPER neutralizing antibody.
 22. The composition of claim 3, wherein the peptide embedded in the liposome binds an MPER neutralizing antibody 2F5 or 4E10. 